Despite "reforms", Riyadh grants new powers to the religious police

The UNHCR today released its annual report on the eve of World Refugee Day. It lists 41.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs), 25.9 million refugees, and 3.5 million asylum seekers. Developing nations, not the rich states in the West, bear the brunt of migration. Syria has the largest number of internally displaced people.

At the general audience, Pope Francis explains the event of Pentecost, "God’s eruption" like "wind" and "fire". The word of the apostles, inflamed by the Spirit, speaks the "language of truth and love, which is the universal language: even the illiterate can understand it". "The Holy Spirit is the maker of communion, it is the craftsman of reconciliation". He helps the Church "to go beyond human limits, sins and scandal". Greetings to Asian groups and to the Young Messengers of Peace of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Japan).

The underground bishop, recently recognized by the government as auxiliary bishop, withdrew his request. In it obedience to the laws of the country was accepted, but not membership of the PA. But the government does not want to publish it, making underground priests believe that they are obliged to join the body that proclaims the independence of the Church. In the Sino-Vatican agreement - also unpublished – membership of the PA is optional.

The annual Synod of Bishops ends on this disturbing note, citing "serious warnings" coming from the countries of the region and the diaspora. As a result of the exodus, Aleppo, Damascus, and the Holy Land have lost part of their population. The liturgy is an element of unity among the Maronites. The Patriarchal Auxiliary Boulos Abdel Sater is the new Archbishop of Beirut.

The Instrumentum laboris unveiled.  The possibility of ordaining married men.  Integral ecology and recognition of the role of women.  Defense of territory and human rights.

Yesterday the Israeli prime minister unveiled a (future) settlement on the heights that will bear the name of the US president. For critics it is a propaganda move ahead of the September vote. And the funds are lacking. Sabella: the choices of America and Israel "dictated by their political agenda" but "unwise". Critical long-term prospects.

Crude oil futures grow by 26 cents (+ 0.4%), setting at $ 62.27 a barrel. The WTI up by 17 cents (+ 0.3%) reaching 52.68 dollars. On June 13 prices were up by 4.5% after attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf. Singapore expert: concern over an escalation that leads to "military confrontation".

Visiting the areas in the Archdiocese of Camerino-San Severino Marche hit by a quake, Pope Francis comforted the faithful so that they can rebuild, starting from the fact that "God remembers us". He noted that that “Three years have gone by and the risk is that, after the first emotional and media involvement, attention will fall and promises will be forgotten, increasing the frustration of those who see the area become increasingly depopulated. The Lord instead pushes us to remember, repair, rebuild, and to do so together, without ever forgetting those who suffer.” “Everyone can do some good, without waiting for others to start.” The Pope also spoke about a new Blessed and made an appeal for the Persian Gulf.

The conservation work now gives access to new areas of the complex, which includes a church and a monastery. For local Muslim authorities, the site is a source of pride and confirms the importance of interfaith dialogue. The site is considered a symbol of tolerance that “favours the relationship between the religions,” said For Vicar of Arabia, in the wake of Pope Francis’s visit.

In a video message sent to the Day for the free formation of Spanish-speaking digital missionaries, Francis urges people to go "ahead", without being afraid of tenderness.

Meeting the leaders of the global oil industry, Francis reiterated that "catastrophic forecasts can no longer be viewed with contempt and irony". "They are the poor who suffer the worst impact of the climate crisis", they are the most vulnerable to hurricanes, droughts, floods and other extreme weather events.

Don Paolo speaks of an "important" presence for the Christians of the plain, who still live "a difficult situation". There is "expectation and trepidation" among the faithful, "the official date" is expected to celebrate. Barham Salih received Patriarch Sako to begin work in preparation for the visit.

The Ayatollah on the US president: " have no answer for him, nor will I respond to him in the future". The road to easing tensions will be hard, but Japan will continue to work for peace and stability. The Japanese premier: " I met face-to-face with Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and I was able to hear of his belief in peace: it is a step forward".

US secretary of state claims Iran is "responsible for the attacks", in attempt to  "increase tension" and create "instability". A video of the US military would prove Pasdaran involvement. Zarif slams charges and speaks of "diplomatic sabotage". The owner of Kokuka Courageous reports "flying objects", excluding the US version of the mines.